OTTAWA, Canada (Diya TV) — Dinesh Patnaik, India’s new High Commissioner-designate to Canada, has arrived in Ottawa to take charge after an 11-month gap in the post. But his arrival has already been clouded by threats from Khalistani groups, who circulated posters online calling for his assassination.
The posters, which feature Patnaik’s photo and the word “siege,” were linked to supporters of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist killed in Surrey, British Columbia, in 2023. The Canadian government had alleged the involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s death, an accusation New Delhi dismissed as “absurd.” The dispute severely strained India-Canada ties, halting trade talks and leading both countries to scale back diplomatic staff.
The threatening posters named several separatist activists, including Narinder Singh, Manjinder Singh, Avtar Singh, and Gurmeet Singh. They listed the Indian Consulate General as the target location and set September 18 as the date for action.
One poster branded Patnaik as “the new face of India’s Hindutva terror in Canada.” The imagery and language quickly spread on social media, sparking outrage and fear among Indian communities in Canada.
Despite the openly violent tone, the separatist group openly attached names and phone numbers to the posters, raising questions about how such activity continues without legal consequences.
The posters triggered strong reactions online. Critics accused the Canadian government of turning a blind eye to extremist activities under the banner of free speech.
The controversy has left many questioning what Canada’s government will do to address open calls for violence against a foreign diplomat. Under international law, host nations must protect foreign envoys. India is a key partner for Canada, making the threats not only a security concern but also a diplomatic crisis.
Some observers argue that Canada’s leniency toward Khalistani separatist groups is a political gamble with dangerous consequences. For years, India has urged Ottawa to crack down on separatist extremism, but Canadian officials have defended their actions under freedom of speech protections.
The latest threats against Patnaik could force Canada to revisit this approach.
Patnaik brings more than three decades of diplomatic experience to his new post. He served as India’s Deputy High Commissioner in the United Kingdom between 2016 and 2018. He also held postings in Geneva, Dhaka, Beijing, and Vienna.
Within India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Patnaik managed portfolios on Africa, Western Europe, the United Nations, and external publicity. Most recently, he served as India’s Ambassador to Spain.
Patnaik holds a master’s degree in physics from Delhi University and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Calcutta.
His appointment comes at a sensitive time. Canada and India have been struggling to repair ties since 2023. The Nijjar controversy fueled mistrust on both sides, while the stalled trade talks highlighted the depth of the rift.
